Friday, November 15, 2013

This funny little owl is getting into the holiday spirit with his
reindeer antlers and ornaments! Add a little holiday spirit to your
home, by making one today!

Use your mug rug in the traditional
way to hold your favorite beverage and a little treat by it's side while
protecting your tabletop. Or add a little holiday spirit at your office
space and use your mini quilt as a mouse pad! It also adds to your
holiday decor when displayed anywhere in your home! And don't forget mug
rugs make a wonderful gift too!

This pattern comes with a full
size placement sheet and templates have been mirror imaged so that you
can begin your project right away. It's also filled of detailed
information ~ starting with how to create a simple quilt top (no piecing
necessary), to preparing appliques, to binding your mini quilt for a
perfect finish.

If you're not quite comfortable with creating
binding yet, also included is an easy No Binding Option, Perfect for
beginners! With this easy method, you'll have your mug rug completed in
no time.

As with all my patterns, you'll find my direct email
address so that you may contact me if you have any questions along the
way! Please don't hesitate, I'm more than happy to help.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Handmade gifts are often appreciated and cherished so much more than a store bought gift. This Holiday Season consider making some beautiful and creative gifts for your family, friends, teachers and co-workers.

Handmade mug rugs, on their own, make wonderful gifts any time of the year, and especially during the Holiday Season. With little investment of time and money, most mug rugs can be made in an afternoon with scraps of fabric you already have in your stash. You can create a spectacular gift by adding a few little extras like a mug and some special treats! An ordinary mug would be great, but have you ever considered making your own mug to coordinate with your special mug rug? It's easier than you think. You can find mugs in most home stores but they can also be found in your local dollar store making it even more affordable.

To create a DIY custom mug :

Use a mug that is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Wipe the outside of your mug with rubbing alcohol (also useful in removing paint before it dries)

Draw a design on your mug and fill using Enamel Paints, Paint Pens or Sharpies.

Place mug on a foil lined baking sheet and put into a cold oven. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake mug for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn oven off and let mug cool in oven.

The paint on your mug is now set. Although most paints indicate that after baking they are dishwasher safe, I would recommend washing by hand.

Fill your mug with chocolates, biscotti, packets of hot cocoa, marshmallows, candy canes or homemade cookies! Wrap it all up, put a bow on it and it's ready to deliver! And there you have it ~ the perfect heartfelt DIY handmade gift! Easy peasy!

The hardest part will be selecting from the many themed mug rug patterns available. Check out some of my holiday inspired mug rug patterns below Visit Lisa_Marie's Craftsy Pattern Store »
and don't forget to share a photo of your DIY Holiday Gift. We'd love to see them.

If you'd like a chance to win a mug rug bundle, visit my Facebook Page to enter the HO HO HO GIVEAWAY before November 18, 2013.

Friday, November 1, 2013

This
adorable owl has grown turkey feathers just in time for Thanksgiving.

I love to design and make mug rugs and I do use these mug rugs traditionally... as a mug rug, but I also have been known to use them at my desk as a mouse pad or place them in a photo stand to display around the house. They just make me happy! I hope this funny little mug rug will put a smile on your face too!

You can find the pattern for What the HOOT? at my Craftsy Pattern Store or Etsy Store. This pattern comes with a full size placement sheet and templates have
been mirror imaged so that you can begin your project right away. It's
also filled of detailed information ~ starting with how to create a
simple pieced quilt top, to preparing appliques, to binding your mini
quilt for a perfect finish.

This pattern is great for beginners!

As
with all my patterns, you'll find my direct email address so that you
may contact me if you have any questions along the way! Please don't
hesitate, I'm more than happy to help.